Catch for cases and the like



April 3, 1928.

G. T. BATES CATCH FOR CASES AND THE LIKE Filed gan;

e. ,192e fl Patented Apr. 3, 1928.

UNITE!) STATES y 1,664,500 PATENT OFFICE..

GEORGE T. BATESfOF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO ILLINOIS WATCH CASE COM- i IPANY, OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

CATCH FOR CASES AND 'II-IE LIKE.

Application filed January 18, 1926. Serial No. 81,946.

This inventiouhas to do with a spring catch suitable for holding` closed the cover ot my small container-a vanity case `for example. In its construction and assembly it is simple, inexpensive and compact; in operation it is dependable and easy; and in appearance it is no more visible than other like devices which have heretofore been used. It is advantageous over other constructions in that I combine with a spring havingl a light and easy action, a stop means which definitely limits the distance of its movement necessary for release ot the cover or lid which is to be opened. In this connection, I may add that it is common practice for spring catches to become broken or bent because ot (1) the design which requires application of a considerable operating torce, oiten enough to damage the parts, and (2) failure to provide a stop which determines the extent to which it is necessary to move the catch in order to obtain the desired release. I have incorporated in the catch device herein shown and described features which overcome the diiiiculties just noted, and without expense, complication, or space greater than has heretofore been required.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, I have illustrated therein certain preferred embodiments of this invention in the manner following:

Figure 1 is a transverse section through a conventional case, together with catch provided or releasably holding the cover thereof;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through the case, taken on line 2-2 ot' Fig. 1;

Fig. 23 is a detail in section, taken on line 3-3 ot' Fig. l;

Figs. 4 and 5 are similar views ot a ly modiiied construction;

Fig. 6 is a sectional detail, taken on line 6-6 oi' Fig. 5;

Fig. 7, which is a view similar to Fig. 5, shows a further modification; and

Fig. 8, which is a view similar to Figs. 3, et, and 5, shows a still further modiiied construction.

The illustrative case A may, as shown, be equipped with a hinged lid or cover B. To hold this cover normally in closed position upon the case a spring catch C is provided. According to my invention, this may take the form of a light fiat bar 10 of spring material which at one end may be secured,

slightn as with a rivet 11, to the inner case side, its tension being such that the spring is ner-` mally held against the case side. From the sprin T bar entends a lateral portion 12 with bent iinger 13 which is adapted to engage with a shoulder 14 provided'adjacent a notch in the cover B.' Connected to the tree end of the spring is an operating button 15 which extends through a closely iitting opening yor slot 16 inthe case so as to he acces# sible Yiter manipulation upon the exterior thereof.

The constructionthus tar described provides a catch which may be conveniently opera-ted by pressure upon the button. My invention goes further, however, in that it embodies a stop means by which to limit the spring movement when its catch Vfinger 13 is disengaged from the shoulder 14. Beyond this point any spring movement would be useless, would require unnecessary space 'for its accommodation, and would endanger the spring itself, as experience has demonstrated. riChe exact form or shape oi the stop may be varied considerably, as will appear in Figs. 3 to 8 inclusive, wherein tive alternative constructions are suggested.

'Ihe stop of Fig. 3 consists of an overhanging shoulder 17 on one end of the button which, however,l need lose none of its symmetry on this account. This shoulder normally stands out from the proximate wall of the case a short distance only-scarcely greater than the overhang of the catch iinger 18 upon the shoulder 141. Vhen the button is pushed in its shoulder 17 quickly engages the case to arrest further spring movement. Further pressure upon the spring is unnecessary as the cover is then no longer held by the catch. It should he observed that the shape and contour of the spring but ton may he variously modified; it may be provided with an eye. 18, as in Fig. 3; it may be flattened as in Fig. 4,; or it may be otherwise designed and ornamented, if desired.

In Fig. 4 the button is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed overhanging shoulders 17 both of which are engageable with the case wall to stop inward movement of the spring when the catch has released its hold upon the cover. According to Figs. 5 and 6, a. lug 19 may be laterally bent out from the body of the button whereby to engage with the case, as alcove specified, when the button is pushed in for the purpose of releasing;Y the'catoh.` Also, 4as suggested in Figf?, the 'button may be provided with a pair of oppositely disposed overhanging shoulders 17, both adapted to engage with the ease Wallwhenthe springV is inwardly pushed to the limit determined by these stops.

In each of the construetionsjust described, the stop shoulder or lug lies Aexteriorly of Vthe ease. To meet any `possible objection ANo additional :parts are required, .only a rnodioationot the :form and "shape of certain of `them suliieient to endow the catch with the added stop function already explained at length.

I claim:

The combination with a easev and recover therefor of asprngbar fastened at one end to a Wall of the ease, there being a finger eatehwextended'from theV bar to releasably holdthe .Cover upon the ease, a flat button Connected to the bar at a point remote from its fastened end `and extended through the ease Wall wherein, is a closely surrounding yaperture forthis purpose, the ease Wall adjacent saidA aperture being inset at one point and the f bu'tton `having an overhangingV shoulder .adapted to engage With said inset Wall portion when a push-in pressure is applied thereto, the buttonshoulder being norfinally"substantially flush with the outer face ofthe .ease L Wall and serving asia stop, when 'ged`, therewih7 toliniit further inward in mmltofthe eateh, substantiallyas described.'

GEO. T; BATES. i 

